James was killed by an Artillery shell during the battle of Loos, he is among the Memorial of 20,000 Officers and Men whose bodies were never found. James was from Kirkintilloch near Glasgow in Scotland, he was part of a large family and enlisted when he was only 16 yrs of age.

Picture courtesy of Great Nephew Robert A Neilson. (James is in this picture but Robert has not been able to identify him)

Son of Mrs. Mary Jane Higson, of 44, Regent St., Nelson, Lancs. His brother Morris also fell and also has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial.

Prior to enlisting he was employed as a weaver at Messrs. Mather Bros., Clover Mills, Nelson.Rennie was killed in the attack on 25th September, 1915, alongside another Nelson lad, Fred Burrows. Rennie's cousin, William Wilton, who also served wrote that both men were killed and buried together. Neither man's remains were identified after the war.

In 1912 at the age of thirteen Walter had bravely attempted to save the life of an Ipswich man from drowning, the local Press recorded that Walter was commended for his efforts by the Coroner and was awarded a purse of money. Suffolk Rgt records show Walter as having enlisted 1914, he was just 15.

Remembered with Honour by his Nephew Derrick Palmer and Family.

Remembered with honour by nephew, Derrick Palmer and great nephew, Stephen Palmer